Amid continuous light to moderate rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal since Thursday, authorities in Rangamati have issued an alert over the potential risk of landslides across the hill district.
In response to the growing concerns, the district and upazila administrations have imposed restrictions on boat movement in the Kaptai Lake and other internal waterways as a precautionary measure to avoid possible disasters.
Rangamati Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Habib Ullah said that lessons have been learned from the devastating 2017 landslides, and the administration has taken comprehensive preparation to tackle any possible disaster.
“A total of 31 vulnerable sites have been identified in the district, where around 5,000 families and about 20,000 individuals are currently living at risk of landslides.”
The alert has been issued in all 10 upazilas of the district—Rangamati Sadar, Kaptai, Kawkhali, Naniarchar, Baghaichhari, Jurachhari, Barkal, Bilaichhari, Rajsthali, and Longadu, based on past experiences and casualties from previous landslides.
Besides, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has suspended all types of vessel operations in the district's waterways until further notice to ensure public safety.
Moin Uddin Selim, president of the Rangamati Launch Owners' Association, said that boat movement, including launches, connecting Rangamati with Baghaichhari, Longadu, Barkal, Jurachhari, Bilaichhari, and Naniarchar has been halted following the district administration's directives due to rough conditions on Kaptai Lake and cautionary signals at the river port.
“Vessel operations will resume once weather conditions improve and fresh instructions are issued by the authorities,” he added.
Earlier on Thursday Rangamati DC Md Habib Ullah visited several vulnerable areas, including Vedvedi, Shimultali, Lokath Mandir, and the BADC area. During his visit, he urged residents living at the base of hills to relocate to safer locations.
He added that temporary shelters have been prepared in each area, and local public representatives and volunteers have been instructed to assist people in relocating if necessary.
“Although shelters are ready, many at-risk residents are still reluctant to move,” the DC noted.